FIN: Landing Platform

I wasn't happy with the architecture of the platform arch and went back to add texture. I wanted a more organic look. It's interesting how old civilizations lately are being portrayed with an organic-tech look in science fiction and I wanted to have that feeling as well.

Next I created some alien-looking markings and squadron numbers in Illustrator to give a sense of this machine as part of an organization. I purposely tried to avoid militaristic symbology because I had the sense that this was a ship of mercy. (no guns...) Illustrator gives me a clearer looking logo and I use Photoshop to lay the insignias on the various surfaces.


When creating logos or insignia of alien organizations I try to have them appear in several places. It ties the elements together. For instance, the logo and numbers repeat on the ship, in the door, and on the platform itself. Often we see this in military organizations of even in our day-to-day lives. We've just become so used to seeing the message and not the images that we don't give it another thought.


To finish off, I tweak the colors a bit with Photoshop and adjust some layers to achieve a hazy sunlight. Now the art is complete and I have set it aside. I often do this to give myself a chance to see it fresh. I might go back to it later if I see something glaring but right now I am satisfied that it's done.